The critically acclaimed FX series “The Bear” concludes with its fifth season, a finale that, while offering a solid send-off, has been criticized for overstaying its welcome. The final season unfolds over a single day, a narrative choice that injects a sense of urgency and momentum previously lacking in the show. This compressed timeline has been hailed as the best creative decision by creator Christopher Storer and his writing team in years, providing a more cohesive flow than preceding seasons.
The season centers on Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto (Jeremy Allen White), Sydney (Ayo Edebiri), Richie (Ebon Moss-Bachrach), and their restaurant staff as they navigate mounting pressure to achieve culinary excellence while grappling with personal and professional turmoil. A wicked storm adds to the chaos, damaging the restaurant and forcing the team to scramble to maintain dinner service. Compounding these challenges is Carmy's previously stated intention to leave the restaurant, as the job no longer brings him happiness.
Amidst the operational crises, efforts are underway to keep the restaurant financially viable. Jimmy (Oliver Platt) is reportedly exploring the sale of "air rights" above the building as a last-ditch funding effort, while Neil Fak (Matty Matheson) becomes involved in repair work. The show continues to lean heavily on Fak's character for humor, though the review suggests this is not always effective.
While “The Bear” has often been labeled a character-driven drama, critics note that character development beyond the core trio of Carmy, Sydney, and Richie has remained underdeveloped. Side characters like Ebraheim (Edwin Lee Gibson) are still largely unexplored. The series has also faced criticism for its inclusion in comedy categories at awards shows, despite its dramatic tone.
The review posits that previous seasons have sometimes felt aimless, gesturing at story rather than telling one. Season 5, by virtue of its single-day structure, mitigates this feeling of stagnation, making it less directionless than Seasons 3 and 4. The focus remains on the main characters, with fewer opportunities for guest stars. Jamie Lee Curtis reprises her role as Carmy’s mother, and the review notes the show's strength in capturing small, impactful moments, such as the dramatic reaction to Carmy dropping a plate.
Despite the narrative improvements in the final season, the overall impact of the series since its 2022 premiere is debated. While it has achieved significant cultural traction with phrases like “Yes, chef” and propelled stars White and Edebiri to greater fame, the in-story progression for many characters has been repetitive. Carmy's persistent stress, his on-again, off-again relationship with Claire (Molly Gordon), Richie's frequent outbursts, and Sydney's consistent frazzled state are noted. The presence of flashbacks to Carmy's deceased brother, Mikey (Jon Bernthal), a recurring element in earlier seasons, is also seen as a sign of insufficient present-day narrative. Season 5 largely omits Mikey and Claire, a move the review views positively.
Sydney and Marcus (Lionel Boyce) are highlighted as the characters who experience the most significant growth and gain confidence in Season 5. Ultimately, the series is credited with offering compelling glimpses into the demanding nature of restaurant work, the sacrifices required for excellence, and the struggles of flawed individuals seeking connection. However, the review concludes that the show’s narrative ultimately overstayed its welcome and adopted a less focused structure than ideal, despite Season 5's efforts to refine it. The final season is described as leaving a palatable, rather than unpleasant, taste.
“The Bear” Season 5 premiered on Thursday, June 25, at 9 p.m. on FX and Hulu.